How long will I be off work with a broken ankle?

Recovering from a broken ankle A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer.

How long should I take off work with a broken ankle?

You can return to work as soon as you are able to do your normal duties. How long will it take to heal? Most fractures heal without any problems in six to twelve weeks.

How long does it take to walk again after a broken ankle?

If the ankle fracture does not require surgery, it is often treated with a cast or removable brace, and patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the ankle for about 6 weeks. A physical therapist will help the patient to walk safely using crutches or a walker, or another assistive device.

Can an ankle fracture heal in 4 weeks?

It takes time for a broken ankle to heal. If you had surgery to repair more than one ankle bone, it could be two years before your ankle is back to normal. If you didn't need surgery, your ankle might heal within 12 to 16 weeks.

How long after broken ankle can I drive?

You need to be able to perform an emergency stop without significant pain to ensure you are safe to drive. If the fracture is on your right foot and you drive a manual vehicle you will not be able to drive for 6 weeks as you will still be in a boot.

Ankle Surgery: How Long Does it Take to Recover?

Can I go to work with a broken ankle?

If the fracture was less significant and you are able to walk on the injured foot and ankle you may find you can go back to work quite soon. Many people are able to work from home and so if your injury is more significant and you can avoid commuting for a period, you will find that your foot and ankle does better.

Is it hard to walk again after broken ankle?

If you don't need surgery, you might be able to walk on your own within six to eight weeks. If your fracture did require surgery, you may get a walking cast after two weeks; four to six weeks later, you may be able to apply some weight and be moved to a cast with a walker or crutches.

Should a broken ankle still hurt after 3 weeks?

Your Recovery

Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

Will my ankle ever be the same after a break?

If it's a low-to-medium grade ligament injury or a stable bone fracture, then it's highly likely that the ankle will be similar to before. With more severe ligaments and unstable fractures, there is always some difference in flexibility and appearance.

How long does it take for a broken ankle to heal with plate and screws?

It can take up to six weeks for the bones in the ankle to heal after surgery, but can take several months to a year of healing to regain full motion in the ankle. Before surgery, the doctor and surgeon will help you develop a plan for recovery.

Why am I so tired with a broken ankle?

Individuals described difficulty getting to sleep or waking during the night due to pain. Those who had a plaster cast described a difficulty in getting comfortable at night because of this. Some described a general increase in fatigue because of the increased effort that walking took.

Can you feel plates and screws in ankle?

In most instances, these screws and plates do not create symptoms and remain permanently in the foot. However, in some patients, hardware can become prominent or irritate a nearby tendon or other soft tissues. Some patients also complain of achiness in the foot or ankle related to weather changes.

What is the most serious ankle fracture?

Trimalleolar ankle fractures and pilon fractures have the most cartilage injury and, therefore, have a higher risk of arthritis in the future.

How serious is a broken ankle?

A simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to. Several fractures, which may require surgery. These types of fractures can be very disabling. In some cases, you may not be able to put weight on your ankle for a few months, affecting your ability to walk, drive, play sports, and work.

Can you wiggle your toes with a broken ankle?

Can you move your toes if your ankle is broken? This is a common myth that has circulated. Some people think that, if your ankle is broken, you will not be able to wiggle your toes. While this can sometimes be true, oftentimes, you may have a fractured ankle but can still wiggle your toes.

What happens if you don't rest a broken ankle?

Untreated ankle fractures

High risk of developing infection. Arthritis. Foot deformities that may impair walking.

Is a broken ankle life changing?

Conclusions. The nature of life impact following ankle fractures can extend beyond short term pain and discomfort into many areas of life. The findings from this research have provided an empirically derived framework from which a condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure can be developed.

What are the long term effects of breaking your ankle?

Complications of a broken ankle are uncommon but may include: Arthritis. Fractures that extend into the joint can cause arthritis years later. If your ankle starts to hurt long after a break, see your doctor for an evaluation.

Will my broken ankle ever stop hurting?

Ankle fractures take up to 8 weeks to heal. It doesn't mean those entire 8 weeks will be painful, non-weight bearing, completely restricted time. A lot of healing can occur early on with an ankle fracture. Bone tissue regenerates very quickly, laying down new stronger bone around the fracture site.

What to expect 8 weeks after broken ankle?

At 6-8 weeks, you will be in a walking boot with gradually increasing weight-bearing with guidance from your physical therapist. How soon you can return to your work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 2 to 3 weeks.

Why does my broken ankle still hurt after 8 weeks?

A fracture that remains painful months after an injury indicates a problem with bone healing. If your doctor also sees on an X-ray or other imaging test that the bone is not healing, that is often enough information to confirm the diagnosis.

Why does my fractured ankle still hurt after 6 weeks?

It's normal to have some pain even when your fracture has healed. Some people also experience discomfort in the fracture site during colder weather. Your local pharmacy can give you advice on managing pain after a fracture.

How do you shower with a broken ankle?

It is important to keep the cast and dressing dry. The nurse or physiotherapist can give you information about a product that will keep your leg dry while you shower. It is possible to shower in a walk in shower by sitting on a plastic stool or chair. Alternatively you can bathe/shower by sitting on a bath board.

How much rest does a broken ankle need?

Recovering from a broken ankle

A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer.

How do I stop limping my ankle after a broken?

Exercise alone might not be enough to control your limping. Physical therapists can use certain devices to help fast-track gait training. Devices like crutches and parallel bars can help patients correct their walk over time. Parallel bars in particular can give patients stability while trying new techniques.